After the NFL unveiled the Denver Broncos’ 2026 schedule, we reviewed the most intriguing and the most difficult matchups on the team’s schedule. Today, we have a new category. There’s plenty of overlap with the previous two lists, but there’s a new spin. Four games that could end up deciding Denver’s season. Let’s jump in.
1. Broncos vs. Seahawks on Thursday Night Football (Week 6): Denver fans will hope the Broncos aren’t attempting to save their season by the end of a brutal six-game stretch to begin the campaign. If Denver starts with a poor record, a win over the defending Super Bowl champions could help turn things around. If the Broncos start strong, beating the Seahawks would put them firmly in the contender conversation. Whether they are struggling or thriving going into Week 6, this game will have big implications for Denver.
2. Broncos vs. Bills on Christmas Day (Week 16): Buffalo knocked the Broncos out of the playoffs two seasons ago and Denver dramatically defeated the Bills in the divisional round last season. They are now set for a late-season showdown in Week 16 that could have big seeding implications in the AFC.
3. Broncos at Patriots (Week 17): Another late-season matchup that could have big playoff implications in the conference. After losing to New England in the AFC Championship game without quarterback Bo Nix (ankle) last season, Denver will have a point to prove in this rematch.
4. Broncos vs. Chargers (Week 18): Many pundits expect the Kansas City Chiefs to bounce back in 2026, but there’s at least a chance that the Denver-L.A. game in Week 18 could decide the AFC West. With a tough schedule, the Broncos probably won’t have the division clinched before Week 18, and this game could be crucial.
Up next on Denver’s offseason schedule are organized team activities (OTAs), which are scheduled to begin next month. Training camp is expected to begin in late July, and preseason games will follow in August. There will be many storylines to follow leading up to the regular season, and we’ll track all of them on Broncos Wire.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: 4 games that could decide the 2026 season